All Minnesota Music at the Myth

Good morning, everyone! Time to catch up on reviews from shows I've been to recently. On June 13th, the Myth in Maplewood, MN hosted the first-ever all-Minnesota rock show. I've made several friends lately who are part of the Twin Cities music scene as musicians and fans, so I was happy to do my part and show up to support local music.

I got to the venue in time to meet up with a few friends before the poppier-rock sounds of City of the Weak kicked off the evening. This was the only band on the bill that I'd never heard before, so it was good to get up close and personal to enjoy their original songs. Their sound kind of reminded me of early Flyleaf songs, and I liked the band's enthusiasm and interactions with the building crowd.

The next band, Arson River, brought a Southern rock swagger to the Myth stage. I enjoyed their show at the Fine Line Music Cafe in Minneapolis in April, and it was great to hear an expanded set from them. Their cover of Black Stone Cherry's hit "White Trash Millionaire" always brings a smile to my face too!

Via was third on the bill, and it was nice to hear them again playing live, for the first time for me since they opened for Buckcherry at Mill City Nights in Minneapolis last August. I dug their alternative songs, and made a mental note to check out more of their music later.

Soon it was time for Aeous to kick off a heavy set, featuring songs from their amazing album "The Light You've Always Had." This band has come a long way since I first saw them open on this very stage for Sevendust a couple of years ago, and you can really hear the maturity in their songs. They've really grown as a band, and that's always something great to see.

Finally, it was time for headliners Ashes from Stone to begin their powerful set. They put on a powerful performance, with a few surprises thrown in for good measure, including a few heartfelt acoustic numbers and a rockin' cover of a Paula Abdul song!

After buying Ashes from Stone's debut disc "Riddles and Riots" and a City of the Weak CD, it was time to join friends after the show at the nearby Doghouse bar in Maplewood for more music and laughter. Another memorable night of good music with good friends!